First, let me wish you all a Happy New Year! It's been a while since the blog's been updated but we have alot of great info in the works for 2013. As we turn the calendar to January, we prepare for the annual AHR Expo at the end of the month. This year, the great state of Texas plays host to engineers, designers, contractors and manufacturers from all over the world at the Dallas Convention Center January 28th-30th. This is a great opportunity for you to not only see the latest and greatest products offered in the HVAC industry, but it provides a chance to learn from some of the industry greats! This year, two of our manufacturers, Mestek and Caleffi, are sponsoring the PM Live morning session featuring John Siegenthaler. The topic is "Small Scale Hydronic Cooling Options". This seminar is an AIA approved course and earns you 3 learning units.
Many of our manufacturer's will be presenting at this year's expo. See the list below for booth numbers:
Caleffi - 679
Enervex - 279
Hydrotherm - 2632/2845
Industrial Steam - 3538
Niles Steel Tank - 2767
PowerFlame - 2361
Precision - 3576
RBI - 2632/2845
Superior - 4061
Unilux - 3791
Weishaupt - 2772
If you plan on attending the expo, please comment below or contact us; we'd love to see you up there and introduce you to some of our vendors.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The Complete Package
So what does ANY of this have to do with boilers??? Well, with today's high efficiency boilers, there are more and more critical components that are required during an installation. Where do I put the service valves? Do I put a check valve before or after the bypass? And what's this box with wires coming out of it???? Behold, pre-packaged boiler systems! Goes Heating Systems can provide a complete package system with single point water, electric, control and gas. Each package system is custom built to the exact requirements of the project to allow for maximum design flexibility. It gives all parties involved the knowledge that the boiler and all required components are installed exactly as required by the manufacturer.
Now, some will say this takes money away from the contractor. This is actually the opposite; this puts the responsibility on Goes, so there is a fixed cost to the boiler install and any estimator will tell you they would rather know their fixed cost than have to worry about a labor budget.
So, how can we use these packages? Well, you tell us. We've done packages for hydronic heat using our "hybrid" system, combining condensing and non-condensing boilers. Or two stage fired boilers and a storage tank for domestic use. How about a condensing boiler pre-piped with a plate & frame heat exchanger for a true condensing pool heater that will last twenty years? Anything you can imagine, we can provide. And the best part is you won't be hiding the extra panel from the wife!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Boilers Come Full Circle
In the early days, boilers were made of two materials - steel and cast iron. Then, one day someone decided to create the copper fin type boiler. It was determined copper was a better heat transfer material, which allowed for smaller equipment and better efficiency. As regulations got tougher in Europe and the States, new "condensing" boilers flooded the market, using new materials like aluminum and stainless steel. Before we go too far, lets think about WHY new materials were needed.
ANY boiler can condense just like any car can drag race. But, I don't think a 1973 Pinto is going to win you many races! Condensation occurs when the boiler return temperature drops below 125-140 (depending on application). So, if you ran 100 degree return water to a copper-fin boiler, it will be very efficient and condense. At least for the three months that it runs because after that, the acid in the condensate will have eaten the burners; obviously not what we want. So, manufacturers decided to use stainless steel and aluminum, which in theory makes a lot of sense, right? Let's use a material that is more tolerant to condensate. But how will those materials handle other conditions --- city water treatment, glycols and system softeners all play a role in a boilers performance. Just taking a "condensing" boiler, dumping some tap water in and turning on power does not guarantee you will have a good working boiler system. In fact, I'd bet the opposite, especially in central and south Texas! City water conditions provide a number of hurdles for these manufacturers with pH and chloride being the biggest culprits. And, oh, by the way, since that's listed in the fine print of the operating manual that will go missing in the first six months of operation, it is not a warrantable item. Try explaining that to an owner..."we're sorry mister building manager, but that $40,000 boiler you just installed in November is not covered under warranty because you're chlorides are at about 42 ppm. We'd be happy to order you another one."
Ok, so then how do we save energy without worrying about whether or not our chlorides are below 25 or our pH is between 6-8??? We go back in time and learn from the past; CAST IRON! Now, before you click this window closed, give me three more minutes. I promise, I'll show you I'm not the only "crazy one" in the bunch. Hydrotherm introduced the KN series boiler in 2005; a condensing cast iron boiler that can heat ice cubes if you can supply them giving you up to 99% efficiency. The counterflow design of the heat exchanger and the top mounted burner literally blows the condensate off the pins and into the stainless steel catch pan. If it doesn't stay on the pins, it can't corrode. And think about it, if water quality was an issue, don't you think their lawyers would require the same small print??? (by the way, there is no small print regarding water quality).
Now, I mentioned there are others that have come around to this idea. The 2012 ASHRAE Handbook (yes, THAT ASHRAE) states the following:
"The condensing portion of these boilers may require special material or operating techniques to resist the corrosive effects of the condensing flue gases. In the past, typical cast iron, carbon steel and copper were not suitable materials for the condensing section of a boiler. Certain stainless steels and aluminum alloys were suitable. However, advances in design, controls and manufacturing have allowed materials such as cast iron to be used where they previously could not be; as with all products, consult the manufacturer for the proper application."
So there you have it; ASHRAE's gone mad, too! Or, they know Hydrotherm has manufactured a product that takes something old and revamps it for the current conditions of today's mechanical room needs. Kind of like soupin' up that '73 Pinto for Friday night races!!!
ANY boiler can condense just like any car can drag race. But, I don't think a 1973 Pinto is going to win you many races! Condensation occurs when the boiler return temperature drops below 125-140 (depending on application). So, if you ran 100 degree return water to a copper-fin boiler, it will be very efficient and condense. At least for the three months that it runs because after that, the acid in the condensate will have eaten the burners; obviously not what we want. So, manufacturers decided to use stainless steel and aluminum, which in theory makes a lot of sense, right? Let's use a material that is more tolerant to condensate. But how will those materials handle other conditions --- city water treatment, glycols and system softeners all play a role in a boilers performance. Just taking a "condensing" boiler, dumping some tap water in and turning on power does not guarantee you will have a good working boiler system. In fact, I'd bet the opposite, especially in central and south Texas! City water conditions provide a number of hurdles for these manufacturers with pH and chloride being the biggest culprits. And, oh, by the way, since that's listed in the fine print of the operating manual that will go missing in the first six months of operation, it is not a warrantable item. Try explaining that to an owner..."we're sorry mister building manager, but that $40,000 boiler you just installed in November is not covered under warranty because you're chlorides are at about 42 ppm. We'd be happy to order you another one."
Ok, so then how do we save energy without worrying about whether or not our chlorides are below 25 or our pH is between 6-8??? We go back in time and learn from the past; CAST IRON! Now, before you click this window closed, give me three more minutes. I promise, I'll show you I'm not the only "crazy one" in the bunch. Hydrotherm introduced the KN series boiler in 2005; a condensing cast iron boiler that can heat ice cubes if you can supply them giving you up to 99% efficiency. The counterflow design of the heat exchanger and the top mounted burner literally blows the condensate off the pins and into the stainless steel catch pan. If it doesn't stay on the pins, it can't corrode. And think about it, if water quality was an issue, don't you think their lawyers would require the same small print??? (by the way, there is no small print regarding water quality).
Now, I mentioned there are others that have come around to this idea. The 2012 ASHRAE Handbook (yes, THAT ASHRAE) states the following:
"The condensing portion of these boilers may require special material or operating techniques to resist the corrosive effects of the condensing flue gases. In the past, typical cast iron, carbon steel and copper were not suitable materials for the condensing section of a boiler. Certain stainless steels and aluminum alloys were suitable. However, advances in design, controls and manufacturing have allowed materials such as cast iron to be used where they previously could not be; as with all products, consult the manufacturer for the proper application."
So there you have it; ASHRAE's gone mad, too! Or, they know Hydrotherm has manufactured a product that takes something old and revamps it for the current conditions of today's mechanical room needs. Kind of like soupin' up that '73 Pinto for Friday night races!!!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
New Products at GOES
It is with tremendous excitement we introduce three new product lines to the GOES Heating lineup; Caleffi, Enervex and HeatSponge.
Caleffi North America manufacturers several different hydronic specialties and accessories from fill valves to balancing valves and hydraulic separators. The Hydro Separator offers complete separation of the primary (boiler) piping and the secondary (system) piping. This will allow for varying flows on both systems without affecting the other. It also provides your air and dirt separator all in one compact unit. This is available in sizes ranging from 1" all the way up to 12" connections.
Enervex, formally Exhausto, is a leader in mechanical draft systems providing venting solutions for all types of appliances. Enervex offers both inline and termination style fans along with all the controls and pressure sensors to overcome any venting obstacle. They also provide variable speed bathroom, kitchen and dryer systems which can save as much as 85% of your electrical usage as well as prevent unnecessary loss of conditioned air.
Finally, HeatSponge offers a new approach to high efficiency. Whether steam or hot water, HeatSponge economizers provides the opportunity to achieve 90+ efficiency on your system. Any existing boiler can gain as much as 15% efficiency just by installing an economizer, typically providing a less than two year payback.
GOES Heating Systems would love to personally introduce these lines to you. Please contact us for any information.
Caleffi North America manufacturers several different hydronic specialties and accessories from fill valves to balancing valves and hydraulic separators. The Hydro Separator offers complete separation of the primary (boiler) piping and the secondary (system) piping. This will allow for varying flows on both systems without affecting the other. It also provides your air and dirt separator all in one compact unit. This is available in sizes ranging from 1" all the way up to 12" connections.
Enervex, formally Exhausto, is a leader in mechanical draft systems providing venting solutions for all types of appliances. Enervex offers both inline and termination style fans along with all the controls and pressure sensors to overcome any venting obstacle. They also provide variable speed bathroom, kitchen and dryer systems which can save as much as 85% of your electrical usage as well as prevent unnecessary loss of conditioned air.
Finally, HeatSponge offers a new approach to high efficiency. Whether steam or hot water, HeatSponge economizers provides the opportunity to achieve 90+ efficiency on your system. Any existing boiler can gain as much as 15% efficiency just by installing an economizer, typically providing a less than two year payback.
GOES Heating Systems would love to personally introduce these lines to you. Please contact us for any information.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Hybrid Boiler System
GOES has always been “green” oriented even before it became a worldwide trend. We proudly represent the equally progressive and innovative Mestek boiler brands of Hydrotherm and RBI. With the volatility of today’s energy prices, we continue to be innovative and design the most energy efficient boiler systems based on local usage patterns and climate. With the recent economic recession, we are cognizant of building owner’s budget concerns. The Hybrid Boiler System achieves this goal by incorporating condensing boilers together with non-condensing boilers to maximize energy efficiency and longevity while minimizing the upfront equipment and long term operating costs.
Not every heating system is designed or operated under the same conditions which is the reason the Hybrid Boiler Systems work very well in our market. In the design of a Hybrid Boiler System, the condensing boiler is sized for 20 to 25% of the total heating capacity and the non-condensing boilers are sized for the remaining 75 to 80%. Only 20% of the heating capacity in most cases is used 80% of the time during the heating season. 80% of the total capacity is only used 20% of the time. This results in the more durable and efficient condensing boiler carrying most of the load thus resulting in a much longer lifespan for the complete system. Within most markets in these uncertain economic times, we are seeing that the replacement of heating systems is growing at a much faster rate than new construction projects. Older systems that were designed for 20°ΔT with 160° to 180° degree fan coil units will not sustain the lower temperatures necessary to justify using all condensing boilers in most cases. Another general rule of thumb when designing Hybrid Boiler Systems is to size the pump on the condensing boiler for a 60°ΔT and the non-condensing boilers at a 30°ΔT. Using a higher ΔT in the condensing boiler will prevent short cycling when only minimal heat is required. We find that most existing heating systems are not designed with adequate flow rates when all heating zones are satisfied or when variable frequency drives are added to existing secondary pumps.
We have recently incorporated the use of hydraulic separators to the Hybrid Boiler System concept. The hydraulic separator assists in not only matching the flow rate to the system but also to protect the low velocity condensing boilers from air and dirt present in the system piping. Regardless of secondary loop operational flow rates or the interruption of system flow due to repairs or additional maintenance, the boilers are protected. With the constant upgrading of Mestek’s HeatNet® controls to distinguish between high mass (Hydrotherm KN's) and low mass (RBI Futera III) boilers, the Hybrid Boiler System will far exceed the return on investment over systems using only condensing boilers.
We have recently incorporated the use of hydraulic separators to the Hybrid Boiler System concept. The hydraulic separator assists in not only matching the flow rate to the system but also to protect the low velocity condensing boilers from air and dirt present in the system piping. Regardless of secondary loop operational flow rates or the interruption of system flow due to repairs or additional maintenance, the boilers are protected. With the constant upgrading of Mestek’s HeatNet® controls to distinguish between high mass (Hydrotherm KN's) and low mass (RBI Futera III) boilers, the Hybrid Boiler System will far exceed the return on investment over systems using only condensing boilers.
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